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Chavez made his plea standing below an image of Jesus with the Crucifix after a pre-Easter mass. He
was anchored by his mother and father who both held his hand as a
priest led a prayer for his health.

The public display of emotion came as Chavez scheduled an emergency trip to Brazil after allegedly suffering intestinal burns during his cancer radiation treatment in Cuba.

Chavez, left, attended a Mass service where prayers were held in his honour

Doctors have been treating the former soldier since he was diagnosed in June last year.

He
had hoped to extend his reign with an additional six-year term in the
country's national elections on October 7, but the latest setback could
now jeopardise his chances for reelection.

However he dismissed those suggestions, insisting: 'So far, fortunately there hasn't been any adverse reaction to the treatment.

'All the exams that have been carried out have shown positive results of physical recovery,' he told The Associated Press.

Brazilian media have countered his claim, revealing that the cancer-stricken president is heading for the Sirio e Libanes hospital in Sao Paulo.

After
initially rejecting Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff offer for
medical assistance is July, in favour of treatment in Cuba, the reported
mishandling has led Chavez deliberating his future care.